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Wildfire At Lassen Volcanic National Park Causing Access Issues

A wildfire has spread to more than 10,000 acres in Lassen Volcanic National Park and is causing some access problems and prompting trail closures. Photo by Jim Mackensen.

A wildfire ignited by a lightning strike nearly three weeks ago has spread to more than 10,000 acres at Lassen Volcanic National Park and is causing some access problems and trail closures in the park.

The "Reading" fire was sparked July 23. Since then it has spread to 10,510 acres in the national park and another 2,030 acres on adjoining national forest lands. Just 7 percent of the fire has been contained, and full containment isn't currently expected before August 23, a fire release said Saturday.

An update Saturday afternoon on the fire said the Lassen Volcanic National Park Highway "closure is now at Manzanita Campground to Summit Lake. Park visitors still have access to Manzanita Lake Campground and the Loomis Museum on the north side."

* Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) from Lower Twin Lake to northern park boundary. Northbound PCT hikers will need to detour at Lower Twin Lake and follow the trail past Rainbow Lake to continue onto Butte Lake. From there hikers will access state highway 44W to Old Station where they can continue northbound on the PCT.

Comments

As a former resident of that Shasta County & yearly camper near Cassel for 28+ years (will be there Labor Day, "Good Lord willing & the creek don't rise"), this just saddens me. It's a beautiful and unappreciated NP. The areas inside & outside of the park has lots of recreational activities (hiking, fishing, hang gliding) and is full of friendly people. My thoughts and prayers are with our firefighters and the people who live in the Hat Creek Valley.

Wildfire is a natural and healthy occurrence, and should be appreciated for it's beneficial effect on the ecosystem. Thinking of this park as simply your recreation destination is simple minded and selfish. May the fire restore the habitat back to it's natural balance and usher in a renewal of it's wildness.